I have made the leap and signed up for the Saudi Arabia tour in Jeddah (the shorter Past and Present excursion), with my purchased abaya. It is really not a burka at all, just a long black robe, no headgear involved like we have seen from Afghanistan where even the eye holes were woven. I will bring along a scarf or light pashmina to follow the rest of the protocol. After three days at sea, I am going to be itching to set foot on land, and likely won't have another opportunity to visit this country. We have enough sea days on this cruise, and I'm not willing to add another silent protest that will not impact the women in this country in any positive way!